Chastity Tyler Webboard User Reg: 03-03-2004
Posts: 259
Loc: Stockton, CA
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Quick question... what is a good ground cover for an outside dog kennel? Some thing not permanent like cement since I rent the house. I thought of rocks, but I think I heard that it will create a mess when it rains? Not something "too" complicated, that I could do myself (hopefully). Is there anything thats inexpensive and not permanent that I can use? I would be starting from dirt. No grass just dirt ground right now. Thanks <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
Brandi Adkins Webboard User Reg: 10-13-2003
Posts: 150
Loc: Maryland
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As VanCamp stated, pee gravel is a great choice. It will be messy at first till the dust gets washed off of it, but that doesn't take too long. Another option is brick/stone blocks(gray..red will stain the dog). Go with the largest and cheapest if you go with the blocks. The thing to always remember w/ concrete is that it will make your dog stink. Every kennel that I've been in that has concrete flooring always makes the dog stink. Though it's easy to clean, no one wants a stinky dog. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />
Pee gravel and stone/brick blocks can also be disinfected as well.
Hope this helps. Good luck, Brandi
Jeannette Polowski Webboard User Reg: 03-12-2002
Posts: 732
Loc: Hudson Valley of NY
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I came real close to getting pea gravel, BUT, I needed something like 13 tons for my area, so I decided to just keep it as dirt!!
I just don't put them out on days that it is raining. Dirt is real easy to clean, and it is very hard packed and somewhat gravel/rock filled dirt anyway( typical for the Hudson Valley area of NY).
good luck <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />
No one ever said life was supposed to be easy, life is what you make of it!!
Molly Graf Webboard User Reg: 06-11-2004
Posts: 301
Loc: PA, USA
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My outside kennels (large "pens" 20X20 or larger with shade and doghouses) are dirt - I can't afford pea-gravel at the moment - I have found the dirt to be very easy to clean, and the only time it is gross is after heavy rain. My kennels have good drainage, so even then the mud is only near the doors - or I just put my dogs in the boarding-kennel building (concrete) while their pens dry out. I also put shavings/sawdust down, and straw - which works nicely to keep dog clean and dry except after heavy rain. I put in new shavings/sawdust and/or straw about twice monthly, usually only on the patches where dirt is showing through. I hate to put older dogs and puppies on concrete, much prefer them on the dirt/shavings footing for their joint health.
If you live near a quarry you may be able to get pea gravel dirt cheap. I filled our dog pen by driving an old volvo station wagon to the quarry and filling up boxes with the stuff and it was cheap that way. Of course I had to shovel every last bit of it myself.
They looked at me funny when I was on the truck scales with my small loads but rocks are heavy and they registered.
The pavers would be a LOT easier to clean and move later, though. I have also used pine needles as they are not as bad as wheat straw and bark for holding moisture.
My large kennel runs use pea gravel. But a word of caution- dogs can and will dig through this. Then you get that dusty mess that you started with plus some holes. I have heard of people laying chicken wire (or chain link) under the gravel to prevent digging. Its inexpensive, filters well, and easy to maintain, but does need to have some new added once a year.
If you use concrete pavers, it is best to level the area, put down a nice layer of sand, and then lay the pavers. Especially if you are in a climate where the ground will freeze. This helps prevent the pavers from cracking due to freezing or uneven ground surface.
My father fenced the deck for me and placed patio stones where the grass was from the deck to the side property line fence. I have a gate leading from the outdoor run to the back yard do that I can easily access the back yard when I want to. I can put the dogs in their run simply by opening my back door <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
So far it has worked out well. The dogs like to hang out on the wooden deck (easier on their joints and elbows) and do their business on the patio stones. It's weird but I did not have to teach them this, they picked it up on their own. I pick up and hose down the paving stones twice a day and bleach once a week.
Chastity, email me at: laslavens@yahoo.com<br />
I would like to send you some pictures of what I have done since we cant post images on this site. Email me if you want to see them.
My only issue with pea gravel is my youngest dog would eat it. Literally! If he can swallow it he will eat it. Then it will be "pee" gravel for sure. :rolleyes:
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